Join us aboard Le Dumont-d’Urville for an exceptional PONANTcruise sailing from Colon to Fort-de-France. This 10-day itinerary will give you the opportunity to appreciate the richness of Afro-Caribbean cultures, an azure blue sky and white-sand beaches.

First, succumb to the charms of the clear waters of Panama and the San Blas archipelago, composed of more than 300 islands and cays. Here, surrounded by palm trees and dugout canoes, you will discover the island of Holandes Cay, where the Kuna people live.

The city of Cartagena de Indias in Colombia is heavily influenced by its colonial past and offers a number of interesting sights and landmarks.

Le Dumont-d’Urville will then sail to the idyllic Los Roques archipelago. This small paradise in the Venezuelan Caribbean has been declared a national park and is an ideal spot to dive and snorkel in a turquoise lagoon with stunning sea beds.

You will have other opportunities to swim when your ship calls at the gorgeous island of Saint Lucia, known for its famous Pitons and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

End your trip by visiting Fort-de-France and strolling through its colourful markets and lively streets.

LE DUMONT-D'URVILLE

Featuring innovative and environmentally-friendly equipment, elegantly designed staterooms, spacious suites with large windows, and lounge areas that open onto the outside, this new limited-capacity yacht boasting just 92 staterooms and suites will offer you a truly unique cruising experience.

As the fourth ship in a new series that remains true to the Ponant spirit, Le Dumont d'Urville will embody the unique atmosphere that is the cruise line’s hallmark: a subtle blend of refinement, intimacy and comfort.

Aboard this ship that flies the French flag, you will experience the incomparable pleasure of an intimate cruise, with the possibility of exploring an ever-increasing range of destinations in an ethnic-chic ambiance with luxury service.

Experience a luxurious setting where the accent is on authenticity and passion for travel.

Port of call & excursions

Colón

Colón is the second largest city in Panama, at the Caribbean entrance of the Panama Canal. Colón is today an important port, and the free trade zone created in 1953 contributed greatly to the development of the city. Colón was founded in 1850 by Americans working on the Panama railroad connecting the Atlantic and Pacific coasts through the isthmus of Panama; the city rapidly overshadowed the older Caribbean ports of Panama when the canal opened.

13 March 2020 – Acuatupo, San Blas

Arrival 13/03/2020 early morning. Departure 13/03/2020 midday.

13 March 2020▸14 March 2020 – Dog Island, San Blas

Arrival 13/03/2020 midday. Departure 14/03/2020 mid afternoon.

14 March 2020 – Cartagena

Arrival 14/03/2020 early morning. Departure 14/03/2020.

A splendid harbour city in the north of Columbia, a source of inspiration for the Columbian writer Gabriel García Márquez, Cartagena will win you over with its well-preserved colonial architecture, and warm friendly atmosphere. You can visit the sumptuous UNESCO World Heritage fortified historical centre whose churches and houses have magnificent multi-coloured façades. A witness of Spanish domination, the San Felipe de Barajas fortress stands on top of a hill from where you can admire views over the whole city. The Las Bóvedas neighbourhood will charm you with its arcades, used as prison cells during the 19th century civil wars.

15 March 2020 – Cartagena

Arrival 15/03/2020. Departure 15/03/2020 early morning.

A splendid harbour city in the north of Columbia, a source of inspiration for the Columbian writer Gabriel García Márquez, Cartagena will win you over with its well-preserved colonial architecture, and warm friendly atmosphere. You can visit the sumptuous UNESCO World Heritage fortified historical centre whose churches and houses have magnificent multi-coloured façades. A witness of Spanish domination, the San Felipe de Barajas fortress stands on top of a hill from where you can admire views over the whole city. The Las Bóvedas neighbourhood will charm you with its arcades, used as prison cells during the 19th century civil wars.

15 March 2020 – Islas del Rosario

Arrival 15/03/2020 late morning. Departure 15/03/2020 late afternoon.

16 March 2020 – At sea

Arrival 16/03/2020. Departure 16/03/2020.

During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

17 March 2020 – Bonaire

Surrounded by a barrier reef and a marine sanctuary, Bonaire is a true paradise for divers. This peaceful and preserved little island is renowned all over the world for its coral reefs, which are directly accessible from the beach, providing a unique sensation of freedom. Discover magnificent marine fauna and flora while snorkelling or diving in its turquoise waters. The Washington Slagbaai National Park in the north of the island is home to many birds. It is the most important breeding site in the south Caribbean for the pink flamingo, the island’s emblematic animal.

18 March 2020 – Los Roques Archipelago

Arrival 18/03/2020 early morning. Departure 18/03/2020 early evening.

A journey to Venezuela is a real break from routine, at the heart of a wild natural environment where adventure is the watchword. The longest Caribbean coastline of the South American continent awaits you to the north of the country, where long unspoiled sunkissed beaches give the traveller the impression that they have entered paradise. The Nature Reserve of Los Roques National Park is a 100 km² lagoon with more than 300 islands, islets and sand banks. Protected by a great coral reef, caressed by the gentle breeze of the trade winds, these islands with their unique beauty offer travellers their emerald water. Do not miss this port of call of incomparable charm.

19 March 2020 – La Blanquilla Island

Arrival 19/03/2020 mid morning. Departure 19/03/2020 late afternoon.

A trip to Venezuela is a truly original interlude, surrounded by untamed nature where adventure is the watchword... The longest Caribbean coastline in South America awaits you in the North of the country, where endless pristine, sun-kissed beaches make the traveler feel that they have arrived in paradise. A nature reserve with exceptional coral reefs, the elegant island of Blanquilla is an ideal destination for divers or those who simply love to swim in crystal waters surrounded by multicoloured fish. A fan-shaped paradise surrounded by an emerald sea, do not miss this stopover of matchless charm.

20 March 2020 – Soufrière

Arrival 20/03/2020 midday. Departure 20/03/2020 late evening.

Nestled in the crook of a breath-taking bay, the former capital of St Lucia is brimming with attractions. Soufrière is famous for The Pitons, volcanic spires that tower over the entrance to the town, and you will fall in love with its authentic Creole charm and warm friendly atmosphere. As well as diving and swimming off exquisite beaches, don't miss Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens for the mineral baths, one of the natural wonders of the Caribbean.

Fort-de-France

Disembarkation 21/03/2020 at 07H00 .

Located on the western coast of Martinique, Fort-de-France will amaze you by the splendour of its bay, a magnificent cut-out in the coastline, considered as one of the most beautiful in the world. At the harbour mouth, on its strip of land, fort Saint-Louis overlooks the capital city of Martinique. If you climb up to it, you can see some breath-taking views. Saint Louis Cathedral and the Schoelcher library bear witness to a secular history, intimately linked to the island’s story. Why not try some fresh coconut at the colourful Grand Marché. Two really pleasant places you can take a breather in, right in the heart of the city, are the garden of Balata and the Aimé Césaire park.

Formalities

The information below is current but subject to change at any time without advance notice from government authorities. Please consult your respective government agencies for visa and health information.

Passport valid for at least six (6) months beyond the completion of your trip. Passport must contain at least two completely clear, blank, unused visa pages for each visa required, not including any amendment pages. Visa pages with stains or ink from other pages in the passport are not usable. Guests who deviate from the scheduled embarkation or disembarkation port should research the foreign entry requirements for the port country. Due to government regulations, regrettably, Ponant will have to deny boarding to any guest who fails to obtain the appropriate travel documentation for this trip.

Warning about the use of drones: the use of drones aboard PONANT ships, whether they are sailing at sea, at a port of call or anchored, is strictly forbidden. The use of drones on land in the Arctic and Antarctic regions is also strictly forbidden by international polar regulations. In other regions, it may be possible to use drones on land if permission has been obtained from the relevant authorities of each country and each region travelled through, as well as a pilot’s licence that should be obtained from your home country. Passengers are responsible for obtaining these permits; they should be able to present them at all times. Passengers who do not obtain these authorisations expose themselves to the risk of legal proceedings.

In order to participate in diving sessions, guests must have with them a medical certificate less than 1 year old and their up to date dive book.

Dive in Caribbean Sea

Dive in Caribbean Sea

Scuba diving

Your dives will be led by Patrick Brissac your instructor. He will take care of your safety and that all goes smoothly.

On some diving sites, as in natural reserves or if the local regulations require it, a local guide will escort the diving.

Thanks to check below.

COUNTRY

PORT OF CALL

CERTIFIED DIVE

FIRST DIVE

Panama

Colón

Embarkation

Panama

Holandes Cayes

NO

YES

Colombia

Cartagena

NO

NO

Curacao

Willemstad

YES

YES

Venezuela

Los Roques Archipelago

YES

YES

Venezuela

Los Roques Archipelago

NO

NO

Grenada

Saint George's

YES

NO

Saint Lucia

Pigeon Point

YES

NO

Saint Lucia

Soufrière

YES

NO

Martinique

Fort-de-France

NO

NO

Martinique

Fort-de-France

Disembarkation

The minimum level required for scuba diving on this cruise is 1 star CMAS or the Open Water Diver Padi.

What is a confirmed diver?

A confirmed diver is 1 star CMAS certified diver, or the Open Water Diver (PADI).

The certification card, the diving log book and a recent medical certificate (less than 12 months) must be presented at the beginning of the cruise to our diving instructor Patrick BRISSAC.

How does it work?

The instructor can dive with 4 confirmed divers at a time, according to their certification. The instructor reserves the right to check divers’ ability for maximum safety.

The depth that can be reached will depend of the certification of the divers:

For those with Level 1 or PADI Open Water Diver certificates the maximum depth can be up to 20 metres.

If two Level 2 divers wish to dive together alone, they must have a briefing first. They must have dive computers and are allowed to go to a maximum depth of 20 metres.

Duration of the dives

The diving activity lasts from 2 to 3 hours, which includes the journey to the diving site and the diving. This duration is given as an indication and may vary according to the site, the level of divers, weather conditions and the number of participants.

For experienced divers, the duration of dives varies between 35 and 60 minutes depending on the site, the diver’s experience and consumption. As we will dive in remote place, the dives will be done without decompression stop. A safety stop of 3 minutes at 5 meters will be mandatory.

Supplied equipment

Diving wetsuit

Stabilizing jacket

Fins

Mask

Snorkel

Regulator with octopus and pressure gauge

Diving computer

Rates :

Price per person

First dive:

Introductory dive (1 dive): €80

Ponant Discovery Pack (2 dives): €150

Certified dive:

Exploration (1 dive): €80

Excellence Package (3 dives): €225

Passion Package (6 dives): €420

Fauna of the Caribbean Sea

The fauna of the Caribbean Sea is very varied. During the various dives, could observe various species of benthic fauna such as French angel fish, yellow tail snapper, red snapper, and pelagic fauna such as wahoo, sail fish, as well as endemic wildlife such as barel sponges, and purple sponges.

Pre/Post & Overlands

Before your cruise

11/03/2020 – DISCOVER PANAMA CITY (1 NIGHT)

Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.

Take advantage of one day to discover the richness of Panama City's historic centre and visit the Gehry Museum of Biodiversity, not forgetting the monumental canal and the famous locks opening the passage to gigantic ships from coast to coast. This programme will be a pleasant prelude to your embarkation.

Day 1 - Panama City

Check-in at the hotel Hilton Panama. Official check-in time is 3 pm.

A local representative will be present at the hospitality desk from late afternoon to welcome and answer any questions you may have.

Dinner included.

Day 2 - Panama City/Colon

Meet your fellow travellers for breakfast.

Check-out.

You will depart this morning for a sightseeing tour of Panama City. You will be taken first to Miraflores locks, the so-called “Eighth Wonder of the world”. Panama Canal is one of the most celebrated human achievements on the planet. Upon arrival at Miraflores Visitors Centre, you will visit the exhibition halls and learn about the Panama Canal’s history, its impact on international trade, how it works, its close relationship with nature and the Canal Expansion. From one of Miraflores observation terraces, you will be able to watch the lock gates open and close as vessels begin or end their transit, and you may observe transiting vessels from a distance of only a few meters while you learn about the various operations of the Panama Canal (cannot be guaranteed depending on Panama Canal timetable).

Discover the turbulent past of Panama City, in Casco Antiguo (or Casco Viejo) which is the historic part and the cultural gem of this vibrant metropolis. After the destruction of the first Panama City by pirate Henry Morgan, Casco Antiguo became the second Panama City. It was established around 1673 by French colonialists, the Catholic Church and other settlers. This is where much of the impressive colonial and Baroque architecture remains today. The modern, cosmopolitan areas of Panama City add a third layer to this historically rich city. You will get the chance to explore on your own this neighbourhood of Casco Antiguo with its colonial style government buildings, old churches and grand plazas. Casco Antiguo has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997.

Your tour will continue at the Biomuseo, also called the Gehry’s Museum in honour of its world-renowned architect Frank Gehry. The building is designed to recall the creation of the isthmus of Panama which linked two continents and changed the planet’s biodiversity forever. The event that would change natural history for both continents occurred around three million years ago. Species from both continents mingled as northern animals went south and southern animals went north. The Biomuseo’s 4,000 square metres describe the country’s rich biodiversity.

You will proceed to the restaurant for lunch.

You will then be transferred to the port of Colon to embark aboard your ship.

Your hotel:

The Hilton Panama is steps from the ocean front walkway, and two blocks from the Financial District. Guest rooms offer views of the Panama Bay and the Pacific Ocean. They feature contemporary design and modern amenities including Wi-Fi access and a HDTV. You will find at your disposal a fitness centre, a spa and a top roof pool.

A private transfer from the airport to the hotel can be organized at a supplement. It is imperative that your flight arrival details are communicated at least 15 days prior to the beginning of your cruise, in order to secure the proper meet and greet service at the airport.

Early check-in and/or late check-out are available depending on availability and at a supplement.

An additional night is possible, upon request and depending on hotel availability.

Please, contact your travel agent for further detail.

Contact of your hotel:

Hilton Hotel

Balboa Avenida & Aquilino de la Guardia

Panama City, PANAMA

Telephone: + 507 280 8000

Duration of the visits are given as a guide only. The order of the visits may be reversed.

Attention: the prices listed at the time of your reservation can be different from those listed in the brochure. These prices can evolve based on availability and the real time rates of the airline companies selected.

Travellers are advised to check all the information with the authorities concerned prior to the departure date. Ponant advises Travellers to consult the country factsheets relating to the chosen destinations. Ponant specifically draws Travellers' attention to the fact that the information provided may change up until the departure date, and they are advised to consult that information up until the time of departure. CDP invites Travellers to adjust their behavior to the visited country, to exercise vigilance and to avoid carrying valuable objects during their travel.